Oh well. I'm skipping Drawn In this week. Instead, I'm opting for a follow-up on the post relating to issues at daycare.
Original post
After yesterday's issues with refusing to go to school, I finally had the opportunity to speak to the director and I used it. (With holiday and work schedules I was not able to catch up with her and did not have the time/ability to make an appointment). She happened to be in the office and not dealing with an unhappy parent or child this morning when I dropped the payment off.
See, not only is it the teacher being unprofessional, but the kids seem to be mean to him. Listen, I'm not going to blame the other kids. Kids will be kids and they are all much older than him, most by a year. And the difference between a three year old and a two year old can be huge.
Billy tells me that the other children call him "little baby" and "bad guy". He doesn't know how to respond to name calling, so he tells me that he calls them names back or hits them (the go-to toddler response when not getting their way).
I asked him who his friends were at school. He said "no one." But if I ask him who his friends are he will tell me "Cub", "A" and "J". He knows those kids- all children of my friends- will play with him and be nice to him. That's an issue.
I explained the situation to the director. Billy likes school, but since October he hates school and doesn't want to go. It's a problem. And while kids go through phases, several months is likely more than a phase.
She was very concerned and told me she would monitor him in the classroom to determine what's going on. She was surprised, given that he is on par with his three-year-old classmates in learning ability and even ahead of some in the potty training arena.
BUT... just because he can keep up intellectually with the three year olds, doesn't mean he's emotionally ready to be in that class. And the social dynamic is one of the most important parts of being in school. It's training for the adult world as much as learning "ABC".
I will follow up with the daycare's recommendation when I receive it.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Thursday, January 3, 2013
January 2, 2012 ~ Drawn Furious
Well, normally I post a cartoon on Thursdays, but that requires thinking up something cute or funny that Billy did over the past week. I'm sure he did something funny or sweet, but nothing comes to mind.
See, this morning Billy absolutely refused to go to school. I tried brushing his teeth (we do every day) and that resulted in an epic meltdown over hating toothpaste, hating the toothbrush and then an utter refusal to let me rinse the toothpaste out of his mouth. Giving up resulted in him screaming and crying about wanting to brush his teeth.
Then I tried to put him in his coat. He refused. He bit me. He scratched me (and I've got the cut on my face to prove it). He kicked. He slapped me in the face multiple times. I realize I weigh more than he does (as Daddy often reminds me), but containing a ball of fury, regardless of size is near impossible.
So, since the fight was over putting on the coat, I gave up. Sure, it was below freezing this morning. So I grabbed a warm blanket of his, wrapped up the ball of fury as best I could, threw him over my shoulder and took him out to the car. Boy, he didn't like that.
He screamed the whole way to school about NOT wanting his blanket. Meanwhile, he clung with all of his might to that very same blanket. I can't win.
But he got to school and settled down.
So, after I settle down and think up something awesome, I will post a cartoon. (Well, it's just toddler being toddler, and it's all in a day of a mom, but my brain refuses to find the cutest thing he did this week. I come up with it tonight when he does something terribly cute and that ball of fury seems like some other terror toddler).
See, this morning Billy absolutely refused to go to school. I tried brushing his teeth (we do every day) and that resulted in an epic meltdown over hating toothpaste, hating the toothbrush and then an utter refusal to let me rinse the toothpaste out of his mouth. Giving up resulted in him screaming and crying about wanting to brush his teeth.
Then I tried to put him in his coat. He refused. He bit me. He scratched me (and I've got the cut on my face to prove it). He kicked. He slapped me in the face multiple times. I realize I weigh more than he does (as Daddy often reminds me), but containing a ball of fury, regardless of size is near impossible.
So, since the fight was over putting on the coat, I gave up. Sure, it was below freezing this morning. So I grabbed a warm blanket of his, wrapped up the ball of fury as best I could, threw him over my shoulder and took him out to the car. Boy, he didn't like that.
He screamed the whole way to school about NOT wanting his blanket. Meanwhile, he clung with all of his might to that very same blanket. I can't win.
But he got to school and settled down.
So, after I settle down and think up something awesome, I will post a cartoon. (Well, it's just toddler being toddler, and it's all in a day of a mom, but my brain refuses to find the cutest thing he did this week. I come up with it tonight when he does something terribly cute and that ball of fury seems like some other terror toddler).
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Happy New Year 2013!
Happy
New Year!
2013
We hope you had a fabulous 2012 and that this year will be even better!
Thanks for reading and we look forward to more wacky hijinks and
sweet stories as Billy grows up.
From our family to yours.
New Year's Eve 2012 ~ Damp the Dinosaur
Santa brought Billy a dinosaur egg. All we had to do was put it in water and the dinosaur would hatch in a few days.
So, before we went to Grandpop's house, we put the dinosaur egg in water. This is how he looked before we left:
It's hard to tell in the photo, but you can see the egg breaking and the yellow dino head popping out. It was sitting in front of Billy's chair at the table so every day he could watch it hatch just a little bit more.
When we got back from Grandpop's the dino was fully hatched and ready to come out of the water and be Billy's new pet. But what to name him?
I'm pretty good at understanding what Billy says, but small words out of context still give me trouble.
He muttered a name to me.
"Dan?" I asked, thinking that's what he said.
"No!" he giggled.
"Dap? Dat? Pat? Sam?"
No, no, no. And more giggles. But then he started getting angry that I couldn't understand the name of the new dinosaur.
It really sounded like he was saying "Dap." But he kept petting the new pet and saying "da...p". Hmm. Oh! He's damp! (Because he just soaked in water for 4 days, so yes, he's wet).
And that folks is how Damp the Dinosaur got his name.
~
Totally unrelated to Damp, Billy got to go to a New Year's Eve party. He was a little confused, thinking it was still Jesus' birthday and he wanted to sing Happy Birthday! again. Well, it was someone's birthday there, so we did sing. He got to stay up until 10 with his friend T, but then it was off to bed.
In a moment of generosity, my toddler decided he wanted to give some of his Christmas candy to his friend T. We brought it over and the boys each got to have their very own piece of gourmet candy (from Grandpop) before the new year.
So, before we went to Grandpop's house, we put the dinosaur egg in water. This is how he looked before we left:
When we got back from Grandpop's the dino was fully hatched and ready to come out of the water and be Billy's new pet. But what to name him?
I'm pretty good at understanding what Billy says, but small words out of context still give me trouble.
He muttered a name to me.
"Dan?" I asked, thinking that's what he said.
"No!" he giggled.
"Dap? Dat? Pat? Sam?"
No, no, no. And more giggles. But then he started getting angry that I couldn't understand the name of the new dinosaur.
It really sounded like he was saying "Dap." But he kept petting the new pet and saying "da...p". Hmm. Oh! He's damp! (Because he just soaked in water for 4 days, so yes, he's wet).
And that folks is how Damp the Dinosaur got his name.
~
Totally unrelated to Damp, Billy got to go to a New Year's Eve party. He was a little confused, thinking it was still Jesus' birthday and he wanted to sing Happy Birthday! again. Well, it was someone's birthday there, so we did sing. He got to stay up until 10 with his friend T, but then it was off to bed.
In a moment of generosity, my toddler decided he wanted to give some of his Christmas candy to his friend T. We brought it over and the boys each got to have their very own piece of gourmet candy (from Grandpop) before the new year.
The Sunday Post ~ Easy Peasy Peanut Bark
Easy Peasy Peanut Bark
What you need:
1 large bag milk or dark chocolate chips(your choice)
1 large bag white chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 can of roasted salted peanuts
microwave safe mixing bowl
spatula or spoon
jelly roll pan (cookie sheet with sides)
tin foil
Step one:
Line your jelly roll pan with tin foil. Don't use a cookie sheet- the sides of the jelly roll pan are important.
Step two:
Melt the dark chocolate.
Melting
chocolate: Put all of the contents from the bag into your mixing bowl.
Then microwave for 30 seconds. Take out and stir with the spatula.
Repeat microwaving for 30 seconds and then stirring until the chocolate
is melted. Don't overcook! It is very easy to burn the chocolate. While
it may seem tedious to stir every 30 seconds, it will keep the chocolate
from burning.
Step three:
Spread
the chocolate onto the jelly roll pan in a thin layer. Get close to the
edge but don't let the chocolate touch the edge. Make sure chocolate is
in an even layer (as best you can)
Step four:
Melt the white chocolate using the same technique as the dark chocolate
Step five:
Add peanut butter and stir.
Step six:
Spread
the white chocolate over the dark chocolate on the jelly roll pan. Try to get the white layer as even as possible. Then, mix the two chocolates to create a swirl pattern. (Hint: if the chocolates aren't mixed together well enough, the oil in the peanut butter will cause the two layers to separate).
Step seven:
Sprinkle the peanuts on the white chocolate
Sprinkle the peanuts on the white chocolate
Step eight:
Cover with tin foil and press gently, pushing the peanuts into the chocolate.
Step nine:
Refrigerate overnight and then break into pieces and package or serve.
The Sunday Post ~ Easy Peasy Peppermint Bark
Easy Peasy Peppermint Bark
What you need:
1 large bag milk or dark chocolate chips(your choice)
1 large bag white chocolate chips
peppermint extract
12 candy canes
microwave safe mixing bowl
spatula or spoon
hammer
cutting board
jelly roll pan (cookie sheet with sides)
tin foil
Step one:
Line your jelly roll pan with tin foil. Don't use a cookie sheet- the sides of the jelly roll pan are important.
Step two:
Smash the candy canes. Leave them in the wrapper and smash with a hammer on a cutting board until you get pea-sized pieces and smaller. Then remove the wrapper and put the contents in a bowl to use later. (Hint: if you take the wrapper off before smashing you will have candy cane bits all over your kitchen).
Step three:
Melt the dark chocolate.
Melting chocolate: Put all of the contents from the bag into your mixing bowl. Then microwave for 30 seconds. Take out and stir with the spatula. Repeat microwaving for 30 seconds and then stirring until the chocolate is melted. Don't overcook! It is very easy to burn the chocolate. While it may seem tedious to stir every 30 seconds, it will keep the chocolate from burning.
Step four:
Spread the chocolate onto the jelly roll pan in a thin layer. Get close to the edge but don't let the chocolate touch the edge. Make sure chocolate is in an even layer (as best you can)
Step five:
Melt the white chocolate using the same technique as the dark chocolate
Step six:
Add peppermint extract- 1/4 tsp or about 1 capful and stir.
Step seven:
Spread the white chocolate over the dark chocolate on the jelly roll pan. Be careful not to let the spatula touch the dark chocolate or your white layer will become muddy. Try to get the white layer as even as possible
Step eight:
Sprinkle the candy cane bits on the white chocolate
Sprinkle the candy cane bits on the white chocolate
Step nine:
Cover with tin foil and press gently, pushing the candy cane bits into the white chocolate.
Step ten:
Refrigerate overnight and then break into pieces and package or serve
December 29, 2012 ~ A Trip to Grandpop's
I might have to start writing "PeePop" instead of Grandpop. Billy has taken to calling him that.
Anyway, we went to Grandpop's to do Christmas a few days late. Billy got his present from Grandpop and Nana:
So, now he has his Big Red Racecar AND a motorcycle.
~
Saturday morning started out with Billy screaming at 6am about a dinosaur in our guest room at Grandpop's. Not out of fear, mind you. Nope, he was excited about the dinosaur and wanted to play with it. After futile attempts to get him back to sleep, I gave up and got up with him. As it turns out, the dinosaur was just Daddy's feet in the blanket on our bed. Boy, Daddy has some big feet, huh?
Morning time was presents and playing in the kitchen with Grandpop while he cooked breakfast. Lots of children have played on the floor in that kitchen waiting for breakfast. I did. Grandpop did. His father did and even one more generation did too. Grandpop made bacon and eggs. I bet all six generations ate bacon and eggs in that kitchen.
Billy woke up from his nap screaming about a tiger coming to get him. He was terrified. It could have just been a bad dream, but while he was napping a squirrel happened to get into the attic and was running amok up there. I suspect he was hearing the squirrel in the attic.
He and Daddy went hunting for the squirrel, but they never did find it. We told Billy that the squirrel went home. He was obsessed with the squirrel in the attic. But, it was a good thing that the squirrel got in, because apparently it chased away that mean old tiger. By the way, it was a green tiger, according to Billy.
~
Grandpop was kind enough to offer to let Daddy and myself go out to the movies after Billy went to bed. We wanted to see the Hobbit. But, since Billy got me up at 6am, I fell asleep long before the movie ever started and we never made it. Someday, and someday soon, we hope to make it to the theater. Together. To see a movie. It's a little dream we have.
Anyway, we went to Grandpop's to do Christmas a few days late. Billy got his present from Grandpop and Nana:
So, now he has his Big Red Racecar AND a motorcycle.
~
Saturday morning started out with Billy screaming at 6am about a dinosaur in our guest room at Grandpop's. Not out of fear, mind you. Nope, he was excited about the dinosaur and wanted to play with it. After futile attempts to get him back to sleep, I gave up and got up with him. As it turns out, the dinosaur was just Daddy's feet in the blanket on our bed. Boy, Daddy has some big feet, huh?
Morning time was presents and playing in the kitchen with Grandpop while he cooked breakfast. Lots of children have played on the floor in that kitchen waiting for breakfast. I did. Grandpop did. His father did and even one more generation did too. Grandpop made bacon and eggs. I bet all six generations ate bacon and eggs in that kitchen.
Billy woke up from his nap screaming about a tiger coming to get him. He was terrified. It could have just been a bad dream, but while he was napping a squirrel happened to get into the attic and was running amok up there. I suspect he was hearing the squirrel in the attic.
He and Daddy went hunting for the squirrel, but they never did find it. We told Billy that the squirrel went home. He was obsessed with the squirrel in the attic. But, it was a good thing that the squirrel got in, because apparently it chased away that mean old tiger. By the way, it was a green tiger, according to Billy.
~
Grandpop was kind enough to offer to let Daddy and myself go out to the movies after Billy went to bed. We wanted to see the Hobbit. But, since Billy got me up at 6am, I fell asleep long before the movie ever started and we never made it. Someday, and someday soon, we hope to make it to the theater. Together. To see a movie. It's a little dream we have.
Friday, December 28, 2012
December 28, 2012 ~ George
"George was a good little monkey and always very curious."
Nope, not that George.
Daddy took Billy to Build-a-Bear this morning. That would be the store where you get to make your own stuffed animal, with the cutest ones always being the most expensive. And, of course, they've got you over a barrel, since the kid picks out the animal and you can't disappoint your kid.
Here's a hint- the kids will always pick the cuter ones.
Billy picked a kitty.
They pulled out the skinned cat.
Have you done this before? Because it's actually kind of creepy. And no, I wasn't there this morning but yes I have done it before.
Then, you put a heart in your unstuffed animal and make a wish. Then they proceed to stuff the animal skin (not real animal, but it looks like a pelt anyway).
Now you have your animal. And now you get to walk through the aisle of exorbitantly prices clothes and accessories and dress your animal. I mean, you can't send them out into the world naked, can you?
Then you get to go to the computer and make the birth certificate for your animal and name it. Billy named his cat "George". Billy really liked the big orange button on the machine. That's the reset button. Daddy really didn't like the big orange button on the machine.
So, Billy came home with George in a box.
"No, Mommy. It's George's house."
Oh, right. The box has little windows cut out and pictures on it to make it look like a house. George had to stay in the box because that was his house.
It was naptime.
So, Billy went to bed with George, still in the box. Yes, my toddler it sleeping, cuddling with a cardboard box with a stuffed cat inside named George.
I think that about sums it up.
Nope, not that George.
Daddy took Billy to Build-a-Bear this morning. That would be the store where you get to make your own stuffed animal, with the cutest ones always being the most expensive. And, of course, they've got you over a barrel, since the kid picks out the animal and you can't disappoint your kid.
Here's a hint- the kids will always pick the cuter ones.
Billy picked a kitty.
They pulled out the skinned cat.
Have you done this before? Because it's actually kind of creepy. And no, I wasn't there this morning but yes I have done it before.
Then, you put a heart in your unstuffed animal and make a wish. Then they proceed to stuff the animal skin (not real animal, but it looks like a pelt anyway).
Now you have your animal. And now you get to walk through the aisle of exorbitantly prices clothes and accessories and dress your animal. I mean, you can't send them out into the world naked, can you?
Then you get to go to the computer and make the birth certificate for your animal and name it. Billy named his cat "George". Billy really liked the big orange button on the machine. That's the reset button. Daddy really didn't like the big orange button on the machine.
So, Billy came home with George in a box.
"No, Mommy. It's George's house."
Oh, right. The box has little windows cut out and pictures on it to make it look like a house. George had to stay in the box because that was his house.
It was naptime.
So, Billy went to bed with George, still in the box. Yes, my toddler it sleeping, cuddling with a cardboard box with a stuffed cat inside named George.
I think that about sums it up.
December 27, 2012 ~ The Visit
Here's Billy playing in the costume bin.
Why is the car there? Well, Billy has decided that our tv room is a drive-in movie theater. To watch a movie he has to sit in his car. It's terribly cute, and yes I tried to get a picture of him watching Cars in his Big Red Racecar but so far they don't really look like anything and if I get up to get a better angle he gets out to see what I'm up to.
Anyways, we had over A and J for dinner (and their parents of course).
Billy showed off his new toys. Ate the melon and prosciutto and other goodies I put out and had a merry old time.
Santa had left presents under the tree for A and J. They are Jewish, but just because Santa doesn't stop at their house, doesn't mean that Santa doesn't have presents for Jewish friends too. Billy wanted to open those two gifts on Christmas morning, but I explained that since they don't have a Christmas tree, Santa had to leave them at our house.
So they came over for a little post-holiday party and to open gifts. We were at their house for Hanukkah so we got to share traditions, which was lots of fun.
We all had a lovely time and the kids wore each other out so that by the time bedtime rolled around, all of the kids passed out. Now, that's my kind of party.
December 26, 2012 ~ The Vacuum From Hell
While I had made plans for the day after Christmas, Mother Nature decided to make other plans. A freak snow storm blew up, bringing ice and snow and hazardous conditions that the weathermen had not predicted. So, we stayed in.
This gave Billy an opportunity to play with his new toys- all except for the Big Red Racecar. That is really an outside toy, and while I let him run it back and forth for a few minutes inside, it really belongs out on the street.
So, we had to content ourselves with other toys and new movies from Santa.
Also, a little red vacuum cleaner given to him by my aunt. We had gone to her house for dinner the night before to see her and my uncle and all of their kids and grandkids. Billy had taken a shine to this little vacuum cleaner. Since all of her grandkids have outgrown it and he seemed to like it, she gave it to him. It was very nice and very thoughtful.
Only, I didn't know it was... the Vacuum From Hell!
Billy was pushing it around and all of a sudden it turned itself on for a moment. After further inspection it had an on/off button and a battery compartment.
"Mommy, fix it."
I don't do "fix it" unless I have to, so I called in the big guns. "Daddy!"
Daddy installed some new batteries and voile! It worked. Crap! It worked.
Billy proceeded to 'vacuum' (it's only a toy but man do I wish it did clean up the dirt, even a half-assed attempt to pick it up would be worth it.) He vacuumed the whole upstairs and downstairs. Twice. Oh and did I mention it's as loud as a real vacuum. Oh yeah, that loud. All. Day. Long.
Finally, I put the Vacuum From Hell in time out. Billy didn't understand. So, I explained it. Billy, you're not in time out. But Vacuum From Hell gave Mommy a headache- a booboo in the head- so it has to go in time out for doing that.
Remind me never again to "fix" the broken batteries.
(And yes, this is his favorite toy of all of his Christmas presents, besides the Big Red Racecar. It was very kind of my aunt to give it to him and he loves it. However, I will proceed to call it the Vacuum From Hell, because with batteries in it, it's as loud as Hell.)
This gave Billy an opportunity to play with his new toys- all except for the Big Red Racecar. That is really an outside toy, and while I let him run it back and forth for a few minutes inside, it really belongs out on the street.
So, we had to content ourselves with other toys and new movies from Santa.
Also, a little red vacuum cleaner given to him by my aunt. We had gone to her house for dinner the night before to see her and my uncle and all of their kids and grandkids. Billy had taken a shine to this little vacuum cleaner. Since all of her grandkids have outgrown it and he seemed to like it, she gave it to him. It was very nice and very thoughtful.
Only, I didn't know it was... the Vacuum From Hell!
Billy was pushing it around and all of a sudden it turned itself on for a moment. After further inspection it had an on/off button and a battery compartment.
"Mommy, fix it."
I don't do "fix it" unless I have to, so I called in the big guns. "Daddy!"
Daddy installed some new batteries and voile! It worked. Crap! It worked.
Billy proceeded to 'vacuum' (it's only a toy but man do I wish it did clean up the dirt, even a half-assed attempt to pick it up would be worth it.) He vacuumed the whole upstairs and downstairs. Twice. Oh and did I mention it's as loud as a real vacuum. Oh yeah, that loud. All. Day. Long.
Finally, I put the Vacuum From Hell in time out. Billy didn't understand. So, I explained it. Billy, you're not in time out. But Vacuum From Hell gave Mommy a headache- a booboo in the head- so it has to go in time out for doing that.
Remind me never again to "fix" the broken batteries.
(And yes, this is his favorite toy of all of his Christmas presents, besides the Big Red Racecar. It was very kind of my aunt to give it to him and he loves it. However, I will proceed to call it the Vacuum From Hell, because with batteries in it, it's as loud as Hell.)
Christmas 2012
We ran into Billy's room to wake him up (remember, he was up late) and tell him that Santa had been to the house. He jumped up, excited, and ran out of his room. But when he got to the hallway he tiptoed, slowly, quietly, hugging the wall. At the end of the hallway he peeked around the corner to see into the living room.
"Mommy, where Santa? Santa not stay?"
He was so disappointed that Santa wasn't standing in our living room with the bag of toys slung over his back. Poor guy, it's hard to understand why Santa would bring all of these toys but not stay for a visit. This, by the way, is what he saw:
Billy noticed the milk and cookies were gone. But no Santa. He nervously approached the car, but didn't want to touch it, not without Santa's permission. So Daddy ripped the bow off and put Billy in the car.
I have video but it continues and CONTINUES to process on Youtube. Please look on my youtube sidebar for the video of Billy driving the car for the first time. And yes, it's a real car. Gas pedal makes it go 1.2 miles per hour (I should say battery pedal, since it is electric).
Here's the youtube link, whenever they decide it can bacome active: http://youtu.be/xrsmpo3oHk0
He also got his requested frying pan (a toy one) and lots of other toys.
For the first time EVER in my life we didn't have anywhere to go after opening presents. Billy got to play with his play dough set, his car, he other toys and then head off to nap, all still in his pajamas. It was amazing. Not that I don't enjoy seeing family, but having never had a Christmas without driving all over the Mid-Atlantic it was very nice and very calm. And Billy got his cursory nap and was ready to go party once he woke up.
Party, did you say party? Why yes, yes I did.
Most Christmas nights we go to my aunt's house for dinner. It was lovely, as always. She and my Uncle have many kids and many more grandkids. Billy had a ton of fun playing with his cousins, even if they are all older. Dinner was fabulous.
And, of course, Billy got to sit at the big table until he is old enough to sit with the kiddos. So, he listened to the conversation and then asked if we could all sing happy birthday. (Remember, it's Jesus' birthday). So, a table full of adults broke into a chorus of "Happy Birthday!" for the baby Jesus.
Then he told us all about "Buddy poop snow!"
December 24, 2012 ~ "Buddy Poop Snow!"
Christmas Eve brought with it the first snow of the year and Billy's first white Christmas. He woke up from nap to the white stuff everywhere. When he went to sleep the world was green, and when he woke up the world was white and snow was falling from the sky.
We were watching out the back window and I had let Buddy go outside to do his business. Which, of course, being a dog, he did.
"Mommy, Buddy poop snow!" [toddler translation- Buddy pooped in the snow]
Yes, Billy. Buddy goes outside for the potty. We've had this talk many times and he repeated it once and thought nothing more of it.
Then it was time to run off to Church. Our Church has a Children's Mass on Christmas Eve in the late afternoon. This works out well to get the religious stuff done first. Then there's no rushing out the door Christmas morning and crying about new toys sitting there unopened. I don't know anything about that.
Well, I had been explaining to Billy that we were going to Jesus' birthday party. Close enough. We rarely go to Mass (I'll explain why in a moment) and he's too young to really get the meaning of Christmas. But he does know about birthday parties and giving presents to others for their birthday. And officially, Christmas is Jesus' birthday celebration (even if scholars now believe it was during the summer, this is when we celebrate).
Most importantly he wanted to see the baby Jesus.
Daddy hadn't finished his shopping so we were late to Mass. But we still made it. And honestly, 1.5 hours in Church with a toddler is a lot to ask of the toddler.
Twenty minutes in Church is a lot to ask of a toddler.
And so, right in the middle of the Consecration of the Gifts, Billy shouts, "Buddy poop snow!"
Yeah, that's my kid. Ash Wednesday he shouted that he wanted "Caca!" (cracker) and Christmas it's "Buddy poop snow!" Luckily, Daddy didn't understand what he said, so I'm hoping few others understood either.
That prompted a trip to the potty.
When we got back to the pew Billy refused to sit still. Daddy walked him around. Then me. We did the whole Eucharist bit and then went to see baby Jesus. One of the chapels has a nativity scene in it up on the altar.
I think Billy was disappointed that baby Jesus wasn't a real baby, but a statue. Still, it was dark, lit only by candles and lanterns and the sounds of the choir echoing in from the main part of the Cathedral. I asked him if he wanted to wish him a happy birthday.
He whispered, "Happy Birthday, baby Jesus!"
~
We also attended a Christmas party after Church with Grandma in the treacherous snow. Billy had a grand time and was up well past his bedtime playing with the children of my oldest and dearest friend.
We were watching out the back window and I had let Buddy go outside to do his business. Which, of course, being a dog, he did.
"Mommy, Buddy poop snow!" [toddler translation- Buddy pooped in the snow]
Yes, Billy. Buddy goes outside for the potty. We've had this talk many times and he repeated it once and thought nothing more of it.
Then it was time to run off to Church. Our Church has a Children's Mass on Christmas Eve in the late afternoon. This works out well to get the religious stuff done first. Then there's no rushing out the door Christmas morning and crying about new toys sitting there unopened. I don't know anything about that.
Well, I had been explaining to Billy that we were going to Jesus' birthday party. Close enough. We rarely go to Mass (I'll explain why in a moment) and he's too young to really get the meaning of Christmas. But he does know about birthday parties and giving presents to others for their birthday. And officially, Christmas is Jesus' birthday celebration (even if scholars now believe it was during the summer, this is when we celebrate).
Most importantly he wanted to see the baby Jesus.
Daddy hadn't finished his shopping so we were late to Mass. But we still made it. And honestly, 1.5 hours in Church with a toddler is a lot to ask of the toddler.
Twenty minutes in Church is a lot to ask of a toddler.
And so, right in the middle of the Consecration of the Gifts, Billy shouts, "Buddy poop snow!"
Yeah, that's my kid. Ash Wednesday he shouted that he wanted "Caca!" (cracker) and Christmas it's "Buddy poop snow!" Luckily, Daddy didn't understand what he said, so I'm hoping few others understood either.
That prompted a trip to the potty.
When we got back to the pew Billy refused to sit still. Daddy walked him around. Then me. We did the whole Eucharist bit and then went to see baby Jesus. One of the chapels has a nativity scene in it up on the altar.
I think Billy was disappointed that baby Jesus wasn't a real baby, but a statue. Still, it was dark, lit only by candles and lanterns and the sounds of the choir echoing in from the main part of the Cathedral. I asked him if he wanted to wish him a happy birthday.
He whispered, "Happy Birthday, baby Jesus!"
~
We also attended a Christmas party after Church with Grandma in the treacherous snow. Billy had a grand time and was up well past his bedtime playing with the children of my oldest and dearest friend.
December 23, 2012 ~ Baking Cookies
It was my brilliant plan to make rolled sugar cookies to give to Santa. I thought Billy would enjoy the activity. Grandma has a kitchen better suited for baking with a toddler (we have a wall oven and limited counter space- she has a regular oven and a big table perfect for rolling out cookies).
So, while Billy napped I made the dough and chilled it. I have to say, that using the Joy of Cooking's basic rolled cookie recipe we got a bland dough. Usually I use Martha Stewart's recipe but tried something different this year. We'll be going back to Martha next year.
Anyways, I took him over to Grandma's and let him pick out his favorite cookie cutters from her stash. He, of course, wanted the plain circles. I insisted on making shaped cookies that didn't look store bought, so I made him pick out the standard Christmas fare and some of the more unusal ones (Like an axe. Who wants an axe-shaped cookie? Grandma says it's for Washington's birthday. I can't recall ever making cookies for that, but whatever floats you boat, right?)
Billy liked the part about getting flour everywhere. He also liked pressing into the dough with the cutters, but didn't have the strength to cut all the way through the dough. Mommy had to do that for him. And he got to watch them bake. But the best part, or course, was eating them.
So, while Billy napped I made the dough and chilled it. I have to say, that using the Joy of Cooking's basic rolled cookie recipe we got a bland dough. Usually I use Martha Stewart's recipe but tried something different this year. We'll be going back to Martha next year.
Anyways, I took him over to Grandma's and let him pick out his favorite cookie cutters from her stash. He, of course, wanted the plain circles. I insisted on making shaped cookies that didn't look store bought, so I made him pick out the standard Christmas fare and some of the more unusal ones (Like an axe. Who wants an axe-shaped cookie? Grandma says it's for Washington's birthday. I can't recall ever making cookies for that, but whatever floats you boat, right?)
Billy liked the part about getting flour everywhere. He also liked pressing into the dough with the cutters, but didn't have the strength to cut all the way through the dough. Mommy had to do that for him. And he got to watch them bake. But the best part, or course, was eating them.
My Apologies
It's been a week since you've gotten a new post, but Daddy got a new computer game last week, meaning that I have had zero access to the computer. He must beat a game and food, sleep and all other activities are pushed to the side until he beats it, including my blogging. He still hasn't beaten it, but he had to go out so... woohoo! blogger time!
Friday, December 21, 2012
December 20, 2012 ~ Remote Control
You didn't think I'd leave you with only a moment of silence, did you?
Of course not!
Billy and I were hanging out watching tv after dinner. I've been avoiding the news, but given that a week has gone by since the horrific events, I decided to give the world news a try. I always turn it off if it's something I think Billy shouldn't see, but most of the time he doesn't pay attention to it anyway.
Well, he grabbed the remote from me and changed the channel.
"Mommy, no more talking man. I want ice skating."
Yeah, well... that's actually what he said. Poor Brian Williams, passed over for ice skating, which wasn't even on. So, we settled for PBS cartoons.
Yes, my 2 year old son wanted to watch ice skating.
Yes, my 2 year old son DOES know how to change the channel.
So much for the news.
Of course not!
Billy and I were hanging out watching tv after dinner. I've been avoiding the news, but given that a week has gone by since the horrific events, I decided to give the world news a try. I always turn it off if it's something I think Billy shouldn't see, but most of the time he doesn't pay attention to it anyway.
Well, he grabbed the remote from me and changed the channel.
"Mommy, no more talking man. I want ice skating."
Yeah, well... that's actually what he said. Poor Brian Williams, passed over for ice skating, which wasn't even on. So, we settled for PBS cartoons.
Yes, my 2 year old son wanted to watch ice skating.
Yes, my 2 year old son DOES know how to change the channel.
So much for the news.
December 21, 2012 ~ A Moment of Silence
Let us all take a moment of silence for the lives lost one week ago.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Drawn In Thursdays: Current Events #1
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December 18, 2012 ~ Poor Charlie Brown
I let Billy stay up to watch A Charlie Brown Christmas.
He wasn't getting it. There's a lot of dialogue and it's over his head, so I was explaining about how Charlie Brown is sad and can't find the Christmas Spirit. "Poor Charlie Brown."
So after that, any time Charlie Brown came on the screen Billy said "poor Charlie Brown."
Then Charlie Brown became the director of the school play. Billy felt this meant that he needed to fetch his camping chair, which actually is not far off from looking like a director's chair, especially a cartoon chair. He sat in his chair in front of the tv to watch about Charlie Brown.
During a commercial break he took an interlude to stand on his stool and sing "Animal Crackers in my Shoe!" just like Shirley Temple, mimicking her hand movements and everything. And yes, I know it's soup, but he thinks it's shoe. He even mimics what she does with her voice and cheeks. It's too cute.
Then it was back to Charlie Brown.
He likes the puppy (Snoopy) and wanted to see more ice skating. And continued to recite, "poor Charlie Brown" until the end.
He wasn't getting it. There's a lot of dialogue and it's over his head, so I was explaining about how Charlie Brown is sad and can't find the Christmas Spirit. "Poor Charlie Brown."
So after that, any time Charlie Brown came on the screen Billy said "poor Charlie Brown."
Then Charlie Brown became the director of the school play. Billy felt this meant that he needed to fetch his camping chair, which actually is not far off from looking like a director's chair, especially a cartoon chair. He sat in his chair in front of the tv to watch about Charlie Brown.
During a commercial break he took an interlude to stand on his stool and sing "Animal Crackers in my Shoe!" just like Shirley Temple, mimicking her hand movements and everything. And yes, I know it's soup, but he thinks it's shoe. He even mimics what she does with her voice and cheeks. It's too cute.
Then it was back to Charlie Brown.
He likes the puppy (Snoopy) and wanted to see more ice skating. And continued to recite, "poor Charlie Brown" until the end.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
The Buddy Update
If you're a regular reader then you know that Buddy has cancer. Back in October he had emergency surgery to remove the invasive tumor. Because of it's location (on his boy bits) the doctor was unable to completely remove the tumor.
We investigated chemo and radiation, but since they are about the cost of a new car, opted for the only treatment option that didn't cost a new car, but only has a 30% success rate.
The oncologist predicted the tumor will grow back within 3-6 months at most, be more invasive and at that point, basically untreatable.
We are at 2.5 months and Buddy has no sign of growth at the tumor location. His wound has healed completely and he is left with only a white scar to mark where the tumor had been.
At this point we are getting ready to step down his medication as part of his treatment plan prescribed by his doctors. They are thrilled that there is no evidence yet of growth. It is a good sign.
But we're not out of the woods yet.
So keep praying for the Bud.
We investigated chemo and radiation, but since they are about the cost of a new car, opted for the only treatment option that didn't cost a new car, but only has a 30% success rate.
The oncologist predicted the tumor will grow back within 3-6 months at most, be more invasive and at that point, basically untreatable.
We are at 2.5 months and Buddy has no sign of growth at the tumor location. His wound has healed completely and he is left with only a white scar to mark where the tumor had been.
At this point we are getting ready to step down his medication as part of his treatment plan prescribed by his doctors. They are thrilled that there is no evidence yet of growth. It is a good sign.
But we're not out of the woods yet.
So keep praying for the Bud.
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